The psychology of narcissism - W. Keith Campbell

Summary

The script explores the myth of Narcissus and its connection to narcissism as a psychological trait. It distinguishes between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, highlighting the self-centered behaviors and potential negative impacts on society. The narrative delves into the causes of narcissism, including genetic factors and environmental influences, and touches on the rise of narcissistic traits in modern cultures. It concludes with the possibility of improvement through self-reflection and compassion.

Takeaways

• 🌿 The myth of Narcissus from ancient Greece and Rome serves as an allegory for the concept of narcissism, illustrating an extreme self-obsession that led to his downfall.
• 🧐 Narcissism in psychology is defined as an inflated, grandiose self-image, where individuals perceive themselves as superior and deserving of special treatment.
• 🔍 Psychologists differentiate between two forms of narcissism: grandiose and vulnerable, each with distinct behaviors and attitudes towards self-worth and entitlement.
• 💂‍♂️ Grandiose narcissism is characterized by extroversion, dominance, and a constant need for attention and power, often seen in public figures like politicians and celebrities.
• 🤫 Vulnerable narcissism is more internalized, with individuals being quiet and reserved, yet still possessing a strong sense of entitlement and sensitivity to perceived slights.
• 💔 The negative aspects of narcissism can manifest in selfish behavior, risky or unethical decisions in leadership, and dishonesty or infidelity in relationships.
• ⛔ When narcissists face challenges to their self-image, they may react with resentment and aggression, causing distress to those around them.
• 🏥 Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a more severe form of narcissism, recognized as a psychological disorder affecting 1-2% of the population, predominantly in men.
• 👶 Developmental self-centeredness in children is considered normal and should not be confused with NPD, which is a diagnosis for adults.
• 📚 The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual outlines specific traits associated with NPD, such as a grandiose self-view and a lack of empathy.
• 🧬 Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of narcissism, with parenting styles and cultural values playing significant roles.
• 🌐 The rise of narcissism in the United States since the 1970s correlates with shifts in cultural focus from communal to individualistic values, and the advent of social media has amplified opportunities for self-promotion.
• 🛠 Narcissists can work on their negative traits through self-reflection and practices like psychotherapy or compassion, although it can be difficult for those with NPD to maintain this self-improvement.

Q & A

What is the myth of Narcissus and how does it relate to the concept of narcissism?

The myth of Narcissus tells the story of a handsome man who fell in love with his own reflection and eventually drowned, unable to leave his image. This myth captures the essence of narcissism, which is an excessive self-involvement and self-love.

What is the psychological definition of narcissism?

Narcissism is defined psychologically as an inflated, grandiose self-image where individuals perceive themselves as better looking, smarter, and more important than others, believing they deserve special treatment.

How many forms of narcissism as a personality trait are recognized by psychologists?

Psychologists recognize two forms of narcissism as a personality trait: grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism.

What are the characteristics of grandiose narcissism?

Grandiose narcissism is characterized by extroversion, dominance, and attention-seeking behavior. Individuals with this form may pursue power and attention, often seen in politicians, celebrities, or cultural leaders.

How does vulnerable narcissism differ from grandiose narcissism?

Vulnerable narcissism is marked by quietness and reserve. Individuals with this form may have a strong sense of entitlement but are easily threatened or slighted, unlike grandiose narcissists who are more extroverted and dominant.

What are some negative long-term effects of narcissism?

Narcissists tend to act selfishly, which can lead to risky or unethical decisions in leadership positions and dishonest or unfaithful behavior in relationships. They may also become resentful and aggressive when their self-image is challenged.

What is narcissistic personality disorder and how does it differ from narcissism as a personality trait?

Narcissistic personality disorder is a more extreme form of narcissism classified as a psychological disorder. It affects a small percentage of the population and is characterized by traits that significantly interfere with a person's life, unlike the personality trait which can vary in degree.

According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, what are some traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder?

Traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder include a grandiose view of oneself, problems with empathy, a sense of entitlement, and a need for admiration or attention.

What factors contribute to the development of narcissism?

Narcissism has a strong genetic component, although the specific genes are unknown. Environmental factors also play a role, such as parents who excessively praise their child or those who are cold and controlling. Cultural values that emphasize individuality and self-promotion can also contribute.

How has narcissism as a personality trait changed in the United States since the 1970s?

Since the 1970s, narcissism as a personality trait has been on the rise in the United States, coinciding with the shift from a communal focus to the self-esteem movement and an increase in materialism.

What role does social media play in narcissism, and is there evidence that it causes narcissism?

Social media provides a platform for self-promotion and seeking social status and attention, which can cater to narcissistic tendencies. However, there is no clear evidence that social media causes narcissism; it may simply amplify existing traits.

Can narcissists improve on their negative traits, and if so, how?

Yes, narcissists can improve by engaging in activities that promote self-reflection and caring for others, such as psychotherapy or practicing compassion. The challenge lies in the difficulty narcissists may have with self-reflection and maintaining the effort for self-improvement.

Outlines

00:00

💎 The Myth and Psychology of Narcissism

This paragraph introduces the myth of Narcissus, a tale from ancient Greece and Rome that serves as a metaphor for self-obsession. It explains the psychological concept of narcissism as an inflated self-image and the belief in one's superiority and entitlement. The paragraph distinguishes between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, and mentions narcissistic personality disorder as an extreme form. It also touches on the negative consequences of narcissism in various aspects of life, such as leadership and relationships.

Keywords

💡Narcissism

Narcissism refers to an excessive interest in or admiration of oneself. In the context of the video, it is used to describe a personality trait characterized by an inflated, grandiose self-image. The video discusses how narcissists believe they are superior in looks, intelligence, and importance compared to others and often seek special treatment. The myth of Narcissus is used as an introduction to the concept, illustrating the idea of self-obsession that leads to negative consequences.

💡Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a more extreme form of narcissism that is classified as a psychological disorder. The video explains that NPD affects about one to two percent of the population and is characterized by a grandiose view of oneself, lack of empathy, a sense of entitlement, and a constant need for admiration or attention. It is noted that this disorder significantly interferes with a person's life, causing issues in relationships and social interactions.

💡Grandiose Narcissism

Grandiose narcissism is one of the two forms of narcissism as a personality trait discussed in the video. It is characterized by extroversion, dominance, and attention-seeking behavior. Individuals with grandiose narcissism are often found in positions of power, such as politicians or celebrities, where they can garner the attention and admiration they desire. The video suggests that while not all individuals in these positions are narcissistic, those who are may seek power for the status and attention that come with it.

💡Vulnerable Narcissism

Vulnerable narcissism is the other form of narcissism as a personality trait. Unlike grandiose narcissists, those with vulnerable narcissism can be quiet and reserved. They may have a strong sense of entitlement but are easily threatened or feel slighted. The video highlights that both forms of narcissism can lead to negative outcomes, such as selfish behavior and a tendency to act aggressively when their self-image is challenged.

💡Self-Involvement

Self-involvement is the excessive focus on oneself, which is a central theme in the video. It is mentioned as a characteristic of narcissism, where individuals are overly preoccupied with their own image, needs, and desires. The video uses the myth of Narcissus to illustrate the concept of self-involvement, showing how it can lead to detrimental outcomes, such as the inability to form genuine connections with others.

💡Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is the act of thinking deeply about one's own behavior, thoughts, and emotions. The video suggests that narcissists struggle with self-reflection, especially when it comes to viewing themselves from an unflattering angle. It is implied that honest self-reflection could be a pathway for narcissists to improve on their negative traits, although it can be challenging for them to engage in this process consistently.

💡Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. The video discusses how individuals with narcissistic personality disorder often have problems with empathy, which contributes to their self-centered behavior and difficulties in forming meaningful relationships. The lack of empathy is highlighted as a key trait that differentiates narcissism from healthy self-regard.

💡Self-Esteem Movement

The self-esteem movement is a cultural shift that began in the 1970s, emphasizing the importance of self-worth and confidence. The video suggests that this movement, along with a rise in materialism, may have contributed to an increase in narcissism as a personality trait. It is noted that the focus on individuality and self-promotion in this movement could have fostered an environment where narcissistic tendencies are more likely to develop.

💡Social Media

Social media is a modern platform that allows individuals to share information about themselves and promote their personal brand. The video mentions that while there is no clear evidence that social media causes narcissism, it does provide narcissists with opportunities to seek social status and attention. The rise of social media is discussed in the context of how it might exacerbate narcissistic tendencies by offering new ways to gain admiration and validation.

💡Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a form of treatment that involves talking with a mental health professional to help manage and overcome mental health issues. The video suggests that psychotherapy can be beneficial for individuals with narcissistic personality disorder, as it promotes self-awareness and reflection on one's behavior. It is noted that engaging in psychotherapy requires consistent effort and commitment, which can be difficult for narcissists due to their resistance to self-improvement.

Highlights

The myth of Narcissus illustrates the concept of narcissism, characterized by excessive self-love and self-involvement.

Narcissism is a psychological trait studied by psychologists, defined as an inflated, grandiose self-image.

Narcissists believe they are superior in appearance, intelligence, and importance, deserving special treatment.

Two forms of narcissism are recognized: grandiose and vulnerable narcissism.

Grandiose narcissists are extroverted, dominant, and seek attention and power, often found in positions of influence.

Vulnerable narcissists are more reserved but have a strong sense of entitlement and are easily threatened.

Narcissism can manifest negatively, with narcissists acting selfishly and making risky or unethical decisions.

Narcissistic personality disorder is a more extreme form, affecting 1-2% of the population, more commonly in men.

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a grandiose self-view, lack of empathy, and a need for admiration.

Narcissism is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, including parenting styles.

Cultural values that emphasize individuality and self-promotion can contribute to higher levels of narcissism.

The rise of narcissism in the United States since the 1970s correlates with the self-esteem movement and increased materialism.

Social media provides a platform for narcissists to seek social status and attention, though it is not a direct cause of narcissism.

Narcissists can improve their negative traits through honest self-reflection and caring for others, such as through psychotherapy.

Self-improvement is challenging for narcissists with personality disorder, as self-reflection is difficult from an unflattering angle.

Transcripts

Way before the first selfie,

the ancient Greeks and Romans had a myth

about someone a little too obsessed with his own image.

In one telling,

Narcissus was a handsome guy wandering the world in search of someone to love.

After rejecting a nymph named Echo,

he caught a glimpse of his own reflection in a river,

and fell in love with it.

Unable to tear himself away,

Narcissus drowned.

A flower marked the spot of where he died, and we call that flower the Narcissus.

The myth captures the basic idea of narcissism,

elevated and sometimes detrimental self-involvement.

But it's not just a personality type that shows up in advice columns.

It's actually a set of traits classified and studied by psychologists.

The psychological definition of narcissism is an inflated, grandiose self-image.

To varying degrees, narcissists think they're better looking,

smarter,

and more important than other people,

and that they deserve special treatment.

Psychologists recognize two forms of narcissism as a personality trait:

grandiose and vulnerable narcissism.

There's also narcissistic personality disorder,

a more extreme form, which we'll return to shortly.

Grandiose narcissism is the most familiar kind,

characterized by extroversion,

dominance,

and attention seeking.

Grandiose narcissists pursue attention and power,

sometimes as politicians,

celebrities,

or cultural leaders.

Of course, not everyone who pursues these positions of power is narcissistic.

Many do it for very positive reasons,

like reaching their full potential,

or helping make people's lives better.

But narcissistic individuals seek power

for the status and attention that goes with it.

Meanwhile, vulnerable narcissists can be quiet and reserved.

They have a strong sense of entitlement,

but are easily threatened or slighted.

In either case, the dark side of narcissism shows up over the long term.

Narcissists tend to act selfishly,

so narcissistic leaders may make risky or unethical decisions,

and narcissistic partners may be dishonest or unfaithful.

When their rosy view of themselves is challenged,

they can become resentful and aggressive.

It's like a disease where the sufferers feel pretty good,

but the people around them suffer.

Taken to the extreme,

this behavior is classified as a psychological disorder

called narcissistic personality disorder.

It affects one to two percent of the population,

more commonly men.

It is also a diagnosis reserved for adults.

Young people, especially children, can be very self-centered,

but this might just be a normal part of development.

The fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual

describes several traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder.

They include a grandiose view of oneself,

problems with empathy,

a sense of entitlement,

and a need for admiration or attention.

What makes these trait a true personality disorder

is that they take over people's lives and cause significant problems.

Imagine that instead of caring for your spouse or children,

you used them as a source of attention or admiration.

Or imagine that instead of seeking

constructive feedback about your performance,

you instead told everyone who tried to help you

that they were wrong.

So what causes narcissism?

Twin studies show a strong genetic component,

although we don't know which genes are involved.

But environment matters, too.

Parents who put their child on a pedestal

can foster grandiose narcissism.

And cold, controlling parents can contribute to vulnerable narcissism.

Narcissism also seems to be higher

in cultures that value individuality and self-promotion.

In the United States, for example,

narcissism as a personality trait has been rising since the 1970s,

when the communal focus of the 60s

gave way to the self-esteem movement

and a rise in materialism.

More recently, social media has multiplied the possibilities for self-promotion,

though it's worth noting

that there's no clear evidence that social media causes narcissism.

Rather, it provides narcissists a means to seek social status and attention.

So can narcissists improve on those negative traits?

Yes!

Anything that promotes honest reflection on their own behavior

and caring for others,

like psychotherapy or practicing compassion towards others, can be helpful.

The difficulty is it can be challenging

for people with narcissistic personality disorder

to keep working at self-betterment.

For a narcissist, self-reflection is hard from an unflattering angle.